Just after being named Small Business Owner of the Year by the 22nd Assembly District during Black History Month, “Elements of Earth” jewelry designer, Earth Rowe, cut the ribbon to officially unveil her second clothing store Klutch Formal Boutique located at 126 Central Ave. in Valley Stream.
Rowe, a fashion designer of Trinidad and Tobago heritage, received loud applause as she opened the doors of Klutch to reveal embellished, sophisticated outfits and accessories, relevant to today’s stylish woman.
The sublime Saturday, March 22nd afternoon event was befitting of the lavish celebration that began with a Spring-preview fashion show of Safari-inspired creations. The chic, floor-length gowns, mini dresses and a sleeveless tiger-print blouse, certainly made a fashion statement.
Patrice DaCosta, proprietress of Stoosh Images Inc. gave guests a comprehensive overview of the garments as models sashayed in eye-popping eveningwear, prom dresses, sweet 16 outfits, mother to the bride and playful pieces, accessorized with hats and pocketbooks that are available in the new location.
DaCosta noted that a piece of garment should be worn with confidence. “Great fit is absolutely critical,” noted the image maven, who coached shoppers on ways to be fashionably inspired, wearing clothes and accessories for any occasion.
Pastor David Lawe of More Grace Redemptive Center of Brooklyn, who said he was very proud of Earth’s accomplishment, prayed for Rowe, who opened her first store two doors from Klutch, four years ago.
The entrepreneur was also presented with a NY State citation from Assemblywoman Michelle C. Solages, the highest elected official in the New York State Legislature of Haitian decent.
“It is an honor to have Klutch in our backyard. Earth makes me feel like a queen when I shop at her boutique. She provides customers with clothes and jewelry so that they could go out into the world with confidence,” said Solages who added, “Valley Stream is a diverse community that welcomes entrepreneurs.”
Earth Rowe, who aims to enhance a woman’s beauty, making her look and feel better after she leaves the boutique, handpicks garments that are emblazoned with sequins, studs, glitz and glamour.
“When customers come to the store they should expect to view one-of-a-kind garments that are unique in design,” stated Rowe. She is excited about showing off creations by Caribbean designers such as Jamaican Heather Lane whose pieces are in the store during the summer season.
Rowe, a mother and wife, who dressed the part of a fashion forward businesswoman wearing a snazzy silver-gray lace pantsuit, still finds the time to meet with designers by appointment, to maintain a diverse collection in her store.
The specialized shop caters to women from Size Zero to 18W. Prices range from $49 for a blouse, and from $199 to $1,000.00 for gowns.
Photo by Tangerine Clarke
